UltiMaker Cura vs OrcaSlicer

UltiMaker Cura9.2Visit OrcaSlicer6.8Visit

Higher score UltiMaker Cura #1 in 3D Slicer Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit UltiMaker

vs

OrcaSlicer #8 in 3D Slicer Software 6.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit OrcaSlicer

• UltiMaker Cura fits best

  FDM users who want extensive print controls

• OrcaSlicer fits best

  Advanced FDM users needing calibration depth

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Side by side

Feature	UltiMaker Cura 9.2/10 Visit ↗	OrcaSlicer 6.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	6.8
Ranking	#1 in 3D Slicer Software	#8 in 3D Slicer Software
Best for	FDM users who want extensive print controls	Advanced FDM users needing calibration depth
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations	3 integrations	3 integrations
Features UltiMaker Cura 1/3 · OrcaSlicer 2/3
Resin slicing	Not published	—
Multi-material printing	✓	✓
Variable layer height	Not published	✓ (best)
Specs
Support generation	Not published	Both
Supported platforms	Not published	Windows, macOS, Linux
Input file formats	Not published	STL, 3MF, STEP, DRC, OBJ, AMF, SVG, ZIP
Output file formats	Not published	G-code, Gcode.3MF, OBJ, STL, DRC, generic 3MF
Our review
Pros	400+ configurable settings for detailed print control Automatic supports, adaptive layers, and multi-material workflows Free, open-source, and available on Windows, macOS, and Linux	Free, open-source software for Windows, macOS, and Linux Deep calibration tools for temperature, flow, retraction, and input shaping Supports multimaterial preparation, variable layers, and printer connectivity
Cons	Cloud slicing is provided through a separate Cura Cloud interface Network sending and monitoring support compatible UltiMaker printers The breadth of settings can make setup more involved for beginners	Does not provide resin slicing Its feature set is focused on FFF/FDM workflows No paid plans or premium support tiers are offered
Our verdict	UltiMaker Cura is free, open-source desktop software for preparing 3D prints. It converts 3D models into printer-ready G-code and is designed for makers, educators, designers, engineers, and manufacturing users. The software runs on… Read the review →	OrcaSlicer is a free, open-source desktop slicer for FFF/FDM 3D printers. It prepares models for printing, generates G-code, and supports makers, hobbyists, professionals, and community-driven workflows. The software runs on Windows,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• UltiMaker Cura — where it wins

  • 400+ configurable settings for detailed print control
  • Automatic supports, adaptive layers, and multi-material workflows
  • Free, open-source, and available on Windows, macOS, and Linux

  Where it doesn't

  • Cloud slicing is provided through a separate Cura Cloud interface
  • Network sending and monitoring support compatible UltiMaker printers
  • The breadth of settings can make setup more involved for beginners

• OrcaSlicer — where it wins

  • Free, open-source software for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Deep calibration tools for temperature, flow, retraction, and input shaping
  • Supports multimaterial preparation, variable layers, and printer connectivity

  Where it doesn't

  • Does not provide resin slicing
  • Its feature set is focused on FFF/FDM workflows
  • No paid plans or premium support tiers are offered

• UltiMaker Cura9.2/10 · Free plan

  A capable free slicer for FDM users who want detailed control over print preparation.

  Visit UltiMakerFull verdict →
• OrcaSlicer6.8/10 · Free plan

  A free, advanced FDM slicer with deep calibration and printer connectivity.

  Visit OrcaSlicerFull verdict →